• The First Rule of naturism is Do Not Offend. We are more vulnerable when we are naked so don’t do anything to make other naturists feel uncomfortable.
• Keep eye contact. Don’t stare and don’t “check out” the bodies of other naturists – see the First Rule above.
• Respect other people’s personal space.
• Always have a towel to sit on and this includes while you are using the sauna.
• Taking photos of other naturists, unless you have the specific permission of everyone who might be in the photos, is absolutely forbidden.

What is naturism?

Naturism is all about being naked, when it is appropriate, with other people in a wholesome and non sexual environment. The International Naturist Federation, which represents millions of naturists all over the world, defines naturism as “a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment”

Naturism has huge mental and physical benefits such as body acceptance regardless of size, shape, age, physical imperfection or medical condition. 

Swimming in the nude – doesn’t it feel odd?

On the contrary – it feels great. There is no swimsuit to (possibly) chafe, your whole body slips through the water, without any encumbrances other than those nature gave you when you were born. And, as an added bonus, when you get out, there’s no wet/clammy swimsuit to wander around/sit in – your skin dries much quicker than any swimsuit, and it’s much more comfortable.

Naturism – isn’t it all about SEX?

A simple answer – No. 

I’m not a perfect ’10’ figure (male/female) – don’t you have to have a perfect body to go stripping off before others?

Absolutely not. Naturists are comfortable in their own skin and therefore accept other naturists as they are, regardless of age, shape, size, physical imperfection or medical condition.. 

So why else do you take off all your clothes in the presence of others?

Firstly, the presence of others has nothing to do with feeling comfortable without any clothing, and probably for the first few times it may only inhibit the enjoyment! Once you feel comfortable in the nude, then you will probably try to increase the number of times you can relax ‘au naturel’, and as we tend to like socialising it is only natural that we then look to mixing with others. That this can happen nude or otherwise is an added bonus.

Ah, so you do want to be nude with others!

Sure – just as we like to be with others clothed.

Um…. well isn’t it a bit embarrassing for men… how do you avoid becoming aroused/getting an erection with other nude people around?

This is an extremely rare occurrence because INA events are held in a respectful and non sexual environment. If you are unfortunate enough to have this happen to you just relax, lie face down for a bit, or if near the water, take a dip. Do what you can to cover up, as failure to do so would change your status from being an ordinary naturist, and into an altogether different category of individual. The main thing though, is just to relax, it’ll probably never happen.

I keep reading all these terms: CO/INA/INF/textile/nudist/naturist/etc. – what do they all mean?

A brief, but non-exhaustive list of terms:

• CO: Clothing Optional, usually refers to a beach which can be used by both naturists and non naturists.
• INA: Irish Naturist Association
• INF: International Naturist Federation, which represents the interests of naturists world wide.
• Nudist: One who likes to relax without having to wear clothes
• Naturist: See ‘nudist’. Often extended to include more ‘eco-conscious’ matters.
• Textile: non-nudist person who e.g. on a beach prefers to wear a bathing costume. Also used to refer to areas of beaches which are non-naturist.

Isn’t it irresponsible to be sunning nude? Cancer/sunburn etc?

The area of skin covered by a bathing suit doesn’t really make much difference to these problems – the same precautions have to be taken whether you are nude or wearing a costume. That said, high sun-protection is ALWAYS advisable when exposing parts of your body which do not usually ‘see the sun’ for the first few times – just as you should anyway.

 Do I have to be a member of a naturist club/organisation?

No – you should feel free (within the limits of the law – see our Legal Section) to be nude as and when you wish. However if you wish to take part in our events you must be a member of the INA.

So why join the INA? 

 By being a member you will be able to attend the wide range of activities that we organise. You will also be supporting our aims,  which include striving for the full acceptance of nude recreation in Ireland, which in the long-run will benefit both Irish and foreign naturists. The more members we have, the more events  we can organise all over the country. The INA is a non profit organisation run by a volunteer Committee and our membership fees are modest.

Will my wife/partner/family feel safe at an INA event?

Yes. INA events are held in a safe, friendly, respectful and non sexual environment. We have a zero tolerance policy towards any form of misbehaviour.

Do you have more questions? Or did we not answer a question fully here? Please contact us and we’ll do our best to answer.